Kevin was admitted to the Inpatient Unit at East Lancashire Hospice following a diagnosis of prostate cancer and died in April, 2025.
Kevin was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016. After treatment, he continued to live a full and active life — a season ticket holder at his beloved Burnley Football Club, spending quality time with his eight grandchildren, and remaining a very much loved part of his community.
A sudden heart attack in 2023, led to a decline in his health. As the cancer spread, he later developed metastatic spinal cord compression, leaving him paralysed and requiring full-time care at home.
As Kevin’s needs increased, he was admitted to the Inpatient Unit at East Lancashire Hospice, where he received specialised palliative care.
From the moment he arrived at the Hospice, the team on the Inpatient Unit, did everything they could to make Kevin feel comfortable and ensure his friends and family felt supported. The family were able to add personal touches, including family photographs placed around the room before he arrived.
“It felt like home almost straight away. The staff couldn’t do enough for us.” expressed his step-daughter, Leah.
“The staff were incredible at listening to our needs. We felt heard and involved throughout the process,” shared his step-daughter, Kerry.
During Kevin’s time at the Hospice, his family were also supported through a number of services. The Creative and Support Therapies (CaST) team created thumbprint keepsakes and memory pebbles, and the family were offered Counselling sessions to help them cope during a difficult time.
Volunteers also played a big part in the family’s experience. “Sylvia, the volunteer, was wonderful. Everyone was so caring. They treated us like family, not just visitors.” the family added.
Kevin’s family were able to stay close to him in the overnight family room, giving them space to spend meaningful time together, without worrying about practical responsibilities.
“It gave us the chance to just be together, as a family,” said his partner, Lorraine.
The Hospice gardens also provided a quiet place for reflection. “Being able to walk in the garden and listen to the birds really helped. Tommy, the Volunteer Gardener at the Hospice, showed us an app to find out which birds we were hearing. Those small moments meant a lot.” Lorraine added.
Both Kevin’s two sons, Karl and Scott, and his three stepdaughters, Leah, Kirsty and Kerry, and his partner Lorraine, were all able to stay day and night, by Kevin’s bedside for the duration of his final days.
Inspired by their experience, Kevin’s family have since raised funds and created care packs for families staying at the Hospice. During the time they spent at Kevin’s bedside, they realised many families arrive at the Hospice without personal items such as toothbrushes or toothpaste, and wanted to ensure that other families had access to basic toiletries when they needed them most.
“We didn’t want anyone else to worry about the little things whilst going through something so difficult,” his step-daughter Kirsty, added.
Kevin’s family continue to stay connected to East Lancashire Hospice by attending events and supporting fundraising activities. They regularly attend events such as ‘Sunflower Memories’ and ‘Light Up a Life’, and family members have now signed up to take part in the ‘Three Peaks Challenge.’
Some members of the family are also hoping to volunteer at the Hospice, wanting to give back, after the care Kevin and the family received.
Before Kevin came to the Hospice, the family said they felt some apprehension about what to expect.
“You hear the word hospice, and it can feel daunting, but it’s nothing like what people imagine,” shared Kevin’s family.
Their experience has completely changed how they view hospice care.
“Visit the Hospice. We would encourage anyone who feels unsure to come and see it for themselves. Even if it’s just for a coffee in the café. It’s a very special place,” his family added.
If you’ve been inspired by Kevin’s story, and would like to support his family with their fundraising efforts in creating toiletry packs, please make a donation here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/packsfrompops
